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Sciatica Questions and Answers ArchiveI HATE LEGAL DISCLAIMERS. My lawyer insists...Thanks for understanding... Please send me your sciatica questions via the CONTACT ME form. I will do my best to find an answer to your nerve pain question. I will answer you by email and post your questions here. Please be sure to provide me with a valid email or you will never receive an answer. This is YOUR sciatica questions and answers forum. Please enjoy it and I look forward to receiving your questions and comments soon! Q: How did you get rid of the pain? I have been for 4 MRI's now they are looking at my nerves and blood. It started 6 months ago and now I have a wheelchair. Very depressed. Richard A: Hi Richard, I used knowledge therapy. The treatment is detailed here: Q: I have had 2 Dr.'s "guess" that I may have bi-lateral sciatica. My most annoying symptoms are circulatory issues in my legs & feet, like blood pooling in my feet when I stand, and when I sit it feels like my butt bones are cutting off circulation to my legs & feet. Have you ever heard of anything like these symptoms relating to sciatica?? One of the Drs was a vascular specialist & he said I had a neurological issue (sciatica) not a vein problem. thank you:) BrendaLee A: Hi BrendaLee, Sure, I have heard it all. I have even experienced a symptom of liquid running throughout my legs, although not a pooling, so much as you describe. This is almost always neurological, as advised by your doctor and not vascular. In my experience it is often a symptoms of TMS and not a structural issue. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I am 54 years old and have suffered with pain and numbness in the back of both legs and feet for 14 years. I have been diagnosed with pinched nerves,degenerative disc disease and herniated discs. After physical therapy, shots in my spine and drugs, the neurologist recommended surgery. I have not been back for twelve years but hate that I cannot walk, run, stand for over 5 minutes. I am a writer and was recently contracted to do a piece on your website and thought, what the heck. Did I mention that it is virtually impossible to lose 20 lbs when you are unable to move? Anything you can offer would be appreciated. By the way, I love what you are doing for the public. I help writers prepare for their first novels and it is quite rewarding. Thanks, Kate A: Hi Kate, In order to advise you on what to do for your pain, I would appreciate being able to see the MRI report of your diagnosis. You can send the report or simply type the relevant parts. Once I know the exact nature of what your are dealing with, I will be happy to try and help. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Hello again Adam, I wanted to send my thanks for your help in ending my sciatica. AS I wrote to you before, I had symptoms for over 3 years and was able to end the pain using your recommendation for knowledge therapy. I called my doctor to tell him how I found relief from your book, when all the physical treatments he provided failed me. he was not receptive to the idea of adding the treatment to his practice, which is too bad. One thing is for sure, I will not be seeing him anymore. Thanks again, Dyanna A: Hi Dyanna, I am so happy that you are feeling completely well now. I have every confidence that your new enlightened attitude about the actual source of your pain will keep you healthy for many years to come. Take good care! Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: i'm only 14 and whenever i use my muscle in my right leg it kills to the point where i literally shake. i snowboard, play soccer, horse back ride, and run track. it had hurt b4 i ran track i was just wondering what might of caused it. my doctor told me a while ago that my spine was a little crooked and just a while b4 it started hurting i fell snowboarding hard on my right side and it was really ice and hurt alot. Allison A: Hi Allison, I can not diagnose the cause of your symptoms by email. I do recommend that you talk to your doctor about why they think your leg is giving you trouble. Do not let them get away with not explaining the condition to you fully, even though you are young. tell them that you want to know what is going on and be sure your parents back you up. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I have a bilateral sciatica pain. I been diagnosed herniate disc central l4/l5 and l5/s1 left herniate disc and reading your experiences about bilateral sciatica pain was like if you were telling my story. It's been a roller coaster from hell for me since I was diagnosed 9 month ago, my body is fighting to heal itself, I get well without pain, numbness, weakness, take good care of my sleeping, sitting and driving position, lost 25 pounds,take 300mg of gabapectine daily to stay relatively well, but somehow and suddenly the whole combo symptoms appear like you exactly described them; painful debilitating back pain spasm follow by tingling and weakness.Recently I read about ozone discolysis treatment and its sound promising.But the decompression treatment sounds good too. What in your vast experience could you recommend me to do? Give some good advice and I will thank you all my life. Sincerely, George A: Hi George, As I write throughout my sites, herniated discs are rarely the actual source of any pain. They are typically a scapegoat on which pain is simply blamed. If you would like to type or send your MRI report, I will be happy to look at it in order to advise you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I am a hairdresser and I am on my feet all day. Pain started on my right side with throbbing pain and burning down my leg and knees. I favored my left leg and now I have pain on my left buttock and down to my thigh,Knee, and chin. My back burns all the time.My question is could this be a back problem doing this or could it be just muscle problem.Or is it my sciatic nerve that is causing pain all over. Thanks, Evelyn A: Hi Evelyn, It could be a great number of issues, including the few which you mentioned. There is no sense guessing... Get to a doctor for an exam if the pain is bad and if you still need advise, let me know what the doctor says. This will give me something to work with... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: hello, man i read everything that you have writhed in the site i m 22 years old from Romania I was a sportive until the age of 20 when after repeated trainings and work in construction I destroyed my spinal column 1 disc in the lower region 1 disc in the thoracic region and a start in the cervical region after The MRI i don't know what to do and i m hopeless nobody here in Romania helps my with nothing and I can resist to the pain no longer what shall i do?? Cosmin A: Hi Cosmin, If you would like me to advise you, please send or type the MRI report so that I know what your spine looks like. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Hi there, I was enjoying all the info on your website pages and was wondering where or who in the NYC area I can visit to get treatment for lower back pain. I had L5 herniated disk surgery about 20 years ago and I am now dealing with pain again. Thank you so much! Fabio A: Hi Fabio, I always recommend Dr. John Sarno at the NYU Medical Center / Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation medicine. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: looking for links to more sciatica research on healing. Richard A: Hi Richard, Try searching Google for Sciatica Healing. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Has aerobic water exercising, recommended for arthritic sufferers, ever cured sciatica? Lucy A: Hi Lucy, I can't say that it has ever cured sciatica, but it is often an effective treatment...especially for cases involving an ischemia mechanism as the source of pain. Exercise helps in increase blood flow to the affected area, optimizing cellular oxygenation. This is why many back pain conditions respond to exercise, regardless of the type of activity used. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I have been dealing with sciatica pain for at least 2 months now and is progressively getting worse. Recently, I was diagnosed with degenerative disc in the L5 and have been seeing a chiropractor receiving laser treatments. I was expecting some sort of relief soon, but it seems to be getting worse. The moment I step out of bed, I feel the nerve ache go down from my lower back right down to my ankle. My doctor has me on Arthrotec which seems to relieve it somewhat, but I am noticing that the effect of Arthrotec is getting shorter. I'm getting to the point where it has become crippling and I am running out of resources. I still have to come to work, but without the Arthrotec and the painkillers, it would be impossible !! I've been reading information on your website on decompression. How effective is it and is it a permanent cure? Please help.. Lise A: Hi Lise, Spinal decompression is very effective for many disc conditions. However, just remember that everyone has degeneration at this intervertebral level. This has virtually no chance of being the source of your pain, in my opinion. It is also the same incorrect diagnosis which led me into 18 years of pain, for nothing... Additionally, how is a laser treatment going to help reverse disc degeneration, even if it were to source of pain? I would greatly advise knowledge therapy... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Comment: I used to be an athlete before I suffered from sciatica. I loved playing basketball and marathon, I also love gardening. Before the full problem transpired, I felt a little pain on my back side, I didn't bother checking it coz I thought it was just some whiplash or something, until one day the pain starts to sear where I couldn't bare it any longer. That was it, sciatica and lower back pain. I have a blog which gathers all the data related to sciatica, feel free to browse around. Its new btw. thanks for reading. Lain A: Hi Lain, Thanks for sending in your story. Good luck with the new blog. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I am confused...I desperately want relief. Do you offer the relief for free or do I have to buy something to get cured. Walk me thru the steps, like I said I am desperate!! I cry all day from the pain that has lasted for 1 month and before this on and off for 4 years. Gloria A: Hi Gloria, You do not have to buy anything. Most knowledge therapy books are available for free at your local library. Best of luck! Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I have recently been diagnosed with sciatica.The main area of pain is around my tibia bone,it feels like a red hot poker inside my leg. It has been extremely painful and the other area it is painful is around my knee.I have had xrays to rule out arthritis.Can you give some details about this condition and possible treatment. Thank you. Vicky A: Hi Vicky, I was hoping to ask you the same... I need more details to help you. What did the doctor say is the source of the pain? Did you have an MRI? If not, why not? X-rays are completely useless for diagnosing back pain, except in cases of vertebral fracture... These things will assist me in advising you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: About a month and a half ago I was shoveling the drive way and chipping ice. The next morning I woke up with extream tightness in my lower back. After a week, icing, and a massage I began to feel better. Approx a week or two later I began to experience a cramping feeling for about 30 seconds in my left Buttock, Thigh, and Calf. It only cramps up when I get out of a chair or sit too long. Some days I feel fine. Also, once I begin walking the pain goes away. No issue using the elliptical for 45 minutes to an hour. It seems that as long as I am moving and standing I am fine. As a side bar, I do feel tenderness in my lower back when having a bowel movement. I went for a massage and the therapist thinks it is sciatica. Spoke to a Chiropractor, however he wants me see a patient multiple times per week / every week. Not interested. Are the symptoms described above consistent with sciatica? I have been stretching more and this seems to help. What else would you recommend. I have not had an MRI or X Ray. Nick A: Hi Nick, You might have pulled a muscle, although it seems that is unlikely from your ongoing symptoms. My take on the matter is completely different than any you have heard from doctors, I am sure... I bet that you have developed an ischemic pain condition, along with the usual psychological conditioning (pain when sitting) which used the snow shoveling as a trigger to begin. This theory is reinforced by the fact that exercise improves the condition, since it increases cellular oxygenation temporarily. If you subscribe to this idea, then the cure is certainly knowledge therapy. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I am a 34 year old female. I have been diagnosed with a bulging disc at L4,5 and a herniated disc at level L5 S1. I no longer have back pain. I was doing really well until about a week ago and I believe I am suffering from sciatica. The only way to describe it is it feels like a sever charley horse in my left buttocks and down the left leg but doesn't go all the way to the knee. I take about 12 pills a day ranging from pain killers,muscle relaxors, anti-inflamatorys and steroids. I have also had steroid shots placed in the buttocks and nothing has worked. I go to the neurosurgeon tomorrow for the second time hoping to get some answers. I really do not want surgery but I cannot take the pain any longer. If there is anyone out there that suffers from these kinds of symptoms and has got some kind of relief without having surgery PLEASE let me know. Thank You, Lynn A: Hi Lynn, I am including your submission in the Q&A section, which seems more appropriate. I am interested in what the neurosurgeon had to say and would also like to review the MRI report before advising you on my opinion. Please send me these details and I will be happy to try and help you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I don't know whether I have sciatica or not. Two nights ago, while sleeping I started having pain in my lower back and legs. Every position I tried would not ease the pain. The pain goes away when I stand up. It is only when I am sleeping (or trying to). This has been for two nights now. I have had a terrible cough from allergies for weeks now. I have heard that this can be a cause for back pain? any ideas? Linda A: Hi Linda, When a pain complaint is so new, it is difficult to diagnose. It might certainly be related to your cough. I would not worry about it too much, since this can set the stage for a protracted pain condition to begin. Let me know how you are doing in a couple of weeks, ok? Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: First of all thank you very much, your book has helped me to completely cure myself from back and neck pain. While I buy into your theory I also felt at times the following mind-body interactions possibly happening in me and would be very interested in your opinions on them.Psychological stress, especially anxiety and panic make you interpret any pain and sensations as worse than they actually are. The pain can give a secondary gain by keeping you in a safe environment or receiving care and attention. The stress itself is the pain but you interpret it as physical instead of emotional.Stress causes the pain directly through muscle tension etc. Finally having read into kundilini energy I also felt that that could be playing out too. John A: Hi John, Anxiety and panic, as well as depression and other emotional states are all equivalents of psychosomatic pain. They can be experienced alternately or together. I am so happy that you feel better and I wish you well for your future! Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Can sciatica really be caused by sitting with a wallet in your back pocket? Wallet guy A: Hi Wallet Guy (lol), This is a common explanation for sciatica symptoms, but I think it really depends on the nature of the symptoms. While sitting on anything can reduce or even cut off proper circulation, it will obvious not cause true sciatica, which is defined as a problem with a spinal nerve root. People who do sit on their wallet, might suffer some numbness and tingling, followed by a bit of pain when the blood begins to flow again, but that's about all. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Hi. I had discectomy of L4-L5,L5-S1 back in 2004. Recently I had a recur of disc bulge and had to take ESI after the pain did not respond to NSAIDS. Is elliptical bike helpful or harmful exercise to my condition? Alliazer A: Hi Alliazer, You should ask your doctor for specific advice about exercise. I generally recommend it, but I do not know the exact nature of your case. I hope you get clearance to exercise and also hope that it helps you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I get sciatica from riding my bike long distance. What do you think is causing it? It does not come on with any other activity. Ronda A: Hi Ronda, Being that the symptoms are activity specific; I speculate one of 2 possibilities… First is a physical compression condition, most likely connected to the shape or design of your bike seat. You can try a different seat to see if this helps. The second possible explanation is a psychosomatic causation, based on some inner fear of hurting yourself while riding. Maybe this makes sense to you, as well. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Hi, I just wanted to say thanks for bring attention to the fact that most sciatica is psychosomatic. I suffered, like you for many years and still get an occasional attack when I am stressed. However, since reading Dr. Sarno, I am no longer scared and the pain does not last long. Keep up the good work! Tomas A: Hi Tomas, Thanks for the kind words and best of luck to you in maintaining a pain free body. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I went up a steep hill in September last year (i used to jog daily for 20-30min) after the contest I experienced lower back pain and pain on my left buttock and thigh area when I stretch. I only felt the pain when i stretch on the left side say to touch my toes or when i do a hamstring stretch on the left side. I have since stopped working out (from September last year) any idea what i can do to get better. I really miss my work outs, and just being normal again. I do not feel the pain when carrying out normal activity or anything. Sitting, walking etc. This pain only comes when I am stretching the left leg (say hamstring stretch, touching toes or while laying on my back, I raise the left leg and cross it over the right or when I make long strides while walking up hill and or bend to touch my toe). The pain is at its most when I try to heel walk. Mikey A: Hi Mikey, It sounds like a muscular or ligament issue to me, but the time frame does not make sense. These things usually heal in 6 weeks or less. I recommend going to get it checked out by a qualified physician. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: A few years ago I started a job and in this job I sat for 8 hours a day at a computer...this is when it first started. Now I have constant pain down my left leg front and back and my lower back throbs constantly..I can not handle this pain anymore! What can I do??? Brenda A: Hi Brenda, Have you ever been to a doctor for diagnosis? If so, what was the verdict? Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: my mother has been suffering from acute pain.. in both the legs.. i have got her mri done twice in last 15 months.. but doctors couldn't identify dislocation or anything else...about a year back, we got a small operation done .. for her, in which she got her uterus removed.. she has pain in legs across the day, even while resting.. she has taken all kinds of medicine.. ayurvedic, allopathy... but in vain. we have also treated her with naturopathy. she is a staunch Jain, and maintains strict diet for herself, limiting consumption of oily food etc. we don't know how to cure this disease.. any suggestions... Basant A: Hi Bassant, It seems if the MRI did not show any structural reasons for the pain, then it is unlikely to be from the spine. It could be a complication brought about by the uterine surgery, but it could also be an ischemic condition creating the pain. She might want to consider that this pain may be linked to the psychosomatic process. If knowledge therapy does not work, then I recommend following up with the surgeon who did the operation to see if it is connected. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I am sorry for your pain but I to am suffering from a sciatic nerve. But my chiropractor is useless and only supplies "brief" if any pain relief. There is a tight pinch in my upper buttock and it shoots all the way down to my lower calf leg. I am heading to the hospital soon for an MRI and if I can avoid surgery I would prefer it. Please get back to me ASAP Rickey A: Hi Rickey, I think the MRI is a good idea. If you need some advice once it is done, send me the results and I will be happy to look them over for you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: my mom sneezed. And every since then she has had pain down her leg, lower back. She has been to the chiropractor twice. She does the cold pack, and takes anti-inflammatories. And uses a back massager. Pain is so bad that she can't even sit. This has been going on for over a month. Since she has no insurance. i was curious to what your in home methods are. Thanks for any input!!! Emily A: Hi Emily, Home treatments for sciatica are detailed here: Q: I've had sciatic pains for nine years.Lost my bus driving job, lost everything.Poverty and food stamps and hourly pain is my life now.Got any hope for a person that wishes she could get a microdiskotomy and relief...I have tried E V E R Y T H I N Gto stop the pain.I mean everything!!Docs are quacks.Ibuprofens have caused me an ulcer and now they say take tylenol for the stabbing pains in your thighs or your shins ...knife twisting pain that comes even when I just put on my socks!This life of chronic pain is incredible. I am on my last hope seeing a pain doctor soon.Actually one that specializes in pain. If she can't help,I don't think anything or anyone can help.Thanks for any info. Lisa A: Hi Lisa, Have you ever had an MRI to diagnose the condition? If so, can you send the results. This will help me to advise you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Thank you for an awesome site. It is refreshing and truly eye opening. I can definitely relate to you story, since the doctors have been bumbling over my sciatica pain for years. Ely A: Hi Ely, Thanks for the positive comments. I hope you can put some of the info to work to find a cure for your pain. Please stay in touch and let me know how you are doing. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Last November of 2007 I was at a stop sign and a stupid boy rear ended me. For the first week I just had whiplash neck pain the next week I started having a dull burning ache in my left buttock. The pain just got worse and worse. I went to a chiropractor, physical therapy and an orthopedic said it was bursitis and gave me an injection, it did not work. I then went to a spine specialist, got an MRI of my lumbar, he gave me 5 epidural injections saying I was having pain from a herniated disc and bulged disc. After all these I still have pain. I went to a neurologist with my MRI, he diagnosed me with that Scheurrmans disease. I had a page long of symptoms. I have buttock pain down in the back of my thigh into my calf and my heel. I have pelvic pain into my hip. can you try to help me?? I cry almost every day. Nicole A: Hi Nicole, Could you send me the report from your MRI. I would like to have a look before advising you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I don't know if i have sciatica, i don't know if the spelling is correct. I have lower back pain and into my buttocks. If I sit down i'm fine and if i walk i'm fine, but to get out of a chair is terrible, I get this terrible pain in my right buttocks i must get up so slow and even then when I start walking i get this terrible pain in my buttocks. If I walk I am ok because I walk to work and back, it is only when i'm sitting and want to get up. Hope you can give my some advice or help me. Thank You, Ella A: Hi Ella, I always recommend going to a qualified doctor for diagnosis. Once you have seen a doctor, feel free to write to me again for help in designing a treatment program or any other advice you might need. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: hi fellow sufferers, this is my story. i had a recent bout about a month ago and i really am not sure how i got it. initially i felt a little discomfort on my lower back and i sealed the agony by very foolishly lifting something heavy. next day i had excruciating pain on my lower back on the left side. i had a whole series of treatments for it ranging from "chi kung" massage, electro shock and ultra sound therapy, acupuncture, chinese traditional medicine massage and a bout of musafen/baclofen but nothing seems to work except for moving the pain from my lower back to my buttocks, hamstring and behind my knee area. now the pain in my lower back is gone. any ideas or advice??? thanks very much. Kenneth A: Hi Kenneth, The fact that the pain is changing is a good sign and may indicate that it is slowly going away. If it continues, I recommend going for a diagnosis via medical imaging, such as an MRI, if available. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Comment: Hi, Just wanted to say thanks for this great site. It was a real eye opener for me and certainly helps to explain why I have not found lasting releif from my lower back pain. Keep it up. William A: Hi William, Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate the positive feedback. I hope you can turn that new knowledge into a cure soon. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I fell on my tailbone a month ago, and the pain was continuing to lessen, but all of a sudden and without a known reason, I have a new pain, which I think is sciatica, and the pain starts close to the tailbone. Do you think this was caused by the fall? Arlee A: Hi Arlee, It is certainly very possible. It is often difficult to pinpoint the exact causation of pains which show up weeks or months after an injury. The main thing is finding an effective cure and overcoming the pain, regardless of the source. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: hi i just wanted to know whether biking or spinning classes bring on sciatic pain. i have sciatica that's been under control for over a year with just a few niggles now and then. i did a spinning class for the first time which left me with pain around my coccyx, i thought maybe the seat was hard. a few days later i was doing some warm up exercises when i had severe pain which has lasted for over a week. would like to know what you thinkthanks very much Helen A: Hi Helen, Structurally, it is possible, but most cases of cycling related pain are due to some deeply held belief that the activity is inherently bad for the sciatic nerve. This type of pain can be effectively cured using knowledge therapy, while structural pain is best handled with activity avoidance. I hope this info helps you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: my name is Liam and I'm just wondering is 8 weeks a long time to have a problem with a pulled muscle. i also have pain down my right knee at times. can you please cure this for me. thank you Liam. A: Hi Liam, 8 weeks is a long time to have a pulled muscle, if that diagnosis is correct. I have no way of curing you, but I offer you my sincere wishes for a complete recovery. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I am a 31-year old female. For many years I have been a regular "recreational cyclist/athlete." I lift weight, swim (a bit), run, cycle (road and indoor spinning), and also use elliptical machines. I normally train about 75-90 minutes, 6 days a week.When I cycle, usually 60-80 miles. In mid-July (now over 5 months ago), I had started doing more road cycling (moving from once a week, 2-3 hours up to two and then three times a week). On a Saturday, at the gym on an elliptical I had a slight uncomfortable feeling in my left ankle/heel area, kind of like my shoes were tied too tight or something. I must mention that I had recently seen a podiatrist after a short bout with sciatic (in the hip) pain and pain in posterior tib region during the preceding three months. I had been fitted for orthotics and had been using these for about two or three weeks at this point. Anyway, didn't think more of it. Then, the following day I was out riding and about 1 1/2 hours in I felt a sharp stinging pain in left Achilles. When I got home, there was a small purplish/bruised area adjacent to left Achilles. I took a few days off and found an article on eccentric calf raises. Within a day or two, the right Achilles was also affected. I was also having a lot of lower back pain which had been increasing for a few months. Since then, I'll give you the "brief" version of what I've been through:1- Bilateral feet/ankle x-rays- NORMAL2- Spinal x-ray- Essentially normal, evidence of sacralization so last lumbar disk slightly compressed3- Bilateral ankle/calf MRI- NORMAL (possibility of slight edema adjacent to left achilles)4- Exhaustive bloodwork testing for RA, MS, Lupus, Spondylarthropathy, etc, etc5- Months of chiropractic6- Deep tissue massage7- Sports Medicine who suggested night splints and physical therapy, which I've just started8- Professional bike fit (seat was too low, too far back, had cleats moved back)9- Stretching (15-20 minutes daily), icing, NSAID's As a part of the lab work, stool fat came back increased. Doc said this "could" indicate celiac but I had the test when just getting over gastrointestinal bug and he felt I'd be having more symptoms besides joint/muscle pain. Since the beginning, I've been told I'm not a typical Achilles tendinosis patient. No trouble going up on toes, no discomfort with plantar or dorsiflexion. Not overweight, not a "one-sport" person. Some pain with very firm palpation, but different areas of the entire tendon will be tender depending on the day. the back pain got much better for a short time and the Achilles were starting to feel much better. I'd started running some again, and had been back on the bike a few times (had just been elliptical, swimming). A few weeks ago, things got worse again. Lower back pain is back with force. I also have a stinging, burning sensation running from groin down back of hamstrings around inside of knee and down into heel (not continuous, but that's the general pattern). I'm taking more time off from any activity again, but it's like I feel worse with the rest. The physical therapist told me to stop using the orthotics. He wonders if they may have started everything and after looking at them and at my feet, said they're not doing anything for my arch anyway (I'm flat-footed, overpronate). I also have huge calluses, not on the bottom of my heel but covering the entire calcaneus on both heels, all the way up to Achilles insertion. Some of the docs I've seen wonder if they're something other than calluses and if there is some connection. At this point, I don't know what to do. Is this really just my Achilles? Is the source somewhere else? Does this sound like sciatica? Sometimes I feel like the entire lower half of my body is in pain. I saw a chiropractor for months but he could never seem to get any release from my lower spine. Please, if you have anything to offer, get back to me. Sally A: Hi Sally, To me, it sounds like you are both highly focused on exercise, yet view it as a potential source of your pain. Additionally, you are obviously obsessed with your health and dote on every detail of your painful condition. I interpret all this quite differently... I think your problem may be ischemia, which would certainly explain the width and breadth of symptoms you are having. This could also explain the tremendous callous formation, as this is common on the feet and hands of people with severe cases of oxygen deprivation. I advise trying something different in the form of knowledge therapy. I think there is some underlying emotional reasons for your pain which have never been addressed... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: This pain started about one month ago. I am currently taking muscle relaxers and anti inflammatory drugs.but I still have the pain. My sons thought if I just went to the gym, it would all disappear. Wrong! My pain is in my groin and I also feel it when I am sitting down and it goes all the way down to my knees.nothing is working for me. I am scheduled to go to a physical therapist tomorrow. wish me luck. does anybody have any advice for me? thanks Ann A: Hi Ann, I advise getting a diagnosis, if one exists, for without one, you are merely guessing when it comes to treatment. If an MRI shows no structural reason for the pain, then I would advise thinking about the possibility that the pain might be ischemic. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I ruptured L5/S1 about 11 yrs ago. I have had 2 discectomies in which the first one worked, however the pain never went away 100% the 2nd time. But this was also a work comp injury so the sooner I was released the better, in my opinion anyway. I've had spells off and on for these past 11 yrs with the pain always radiating down the left leg. Now there is permanent damage b/c I have no feeling from the knee down on the outside of my left leg. Today, my pain is in both legs, my lower back spasms, my buttocks, all the way down the right leg, and just the knee down on my left with a little bit of discomfort right below the left buttock. Since July, the pain has radiated to the right leg and was causing me terrible pain going back and forth from leg to leg. Well it is now BOTH legs ALL the time, and I never can find any relief. It never fails that no matter what I do, (i.e. try to put my hair up in a pony tail, dress myself from the waist down, showering, going to the bathroom, just walking) causes this horrible unbearable pain. My most recent MRI shows that L4 is slightly bulged, L5/S1 is done for. You see my 2 vertebrae in my back and this very thin black line in between them, and then there is all this EXCESSIVE scar tissue back there. I was sent to one of the best neuro's in the state of Indiana, who wants to fuse me, so I can have my quality of life back. I haven't been able to care for my children, or meet any of my husbands needs. It has been months since we were last intimate. My biggest problem is that I have no insurance, no one who wants to pick up this pre-existing condition needing surgery with a $62,000 price tag. I don't qualify for the medicaid or medicare. Not yet anyway. I can get the medicare and it be effective in July of 09', but I honestly cannot live like this for another 8 months. I am on strong medications that may take the edge off of it, but NEVER leaves me feeling pain free or 100%.I have tried everything from meditation to holistic healers. I have tried to do mind over matter for pain, and it's just not working. It is a very legit pain in my eyes, and how anyone could think this up, or let it be in their head is WAY beyond me! I wouldn't even wish this on my worst enemy!Do you have any advice? Any doctors who do pro-bono? That would help me to get this surgery that I am unsure of, yet am so desperate that I would do anything to get rid of this pain!There is a website I found and they claim to give millions of dollars away in surgeries a year. Ever heard of them? Please can you help me? I want my life back. My 3 yr old needs his at home mom back, as well as the 11 &13 yr old. They are all dealing with my problem and acting out in their own ways. I'm bankrupting my family just by one Dr. visit a month, and all the meds. Just since July with my MRI and everything, I have had to pay about $7000 out of pocket or by credit card and it is breaking us in this wonderful economy we have now. Well I hope that there is something you can offer me with advice, something that can help me....ANYTHING???? PLEASE!?! Desperate Housewife,Liberty A: Hi Liberty, I do not advise fusion, but that is not your question, so I will not address that issue here. The website you sent looks like it might be what you are looking for. Why not give them a try? Additionally, you might appeal to the local media, who often pick up human interest stories, such as yours, and run with them. You might get a charitable doctor to be to procedure in exchange for the publicity. The last thing to try is a municipal hospital, who is forced by law to provide you with care, if your financial situation is as dire as it seems. Just be careful, this care is often substandard... Let me know how things work out for you and I send you my best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I have had an MRI witch showed a slight bulge in the L4/L5 area. I have had a ENG Nerve test done- negative. My sciatica pain showed up while rehabbing a broken 3rd metatarsal in my left foot. Then, sciatica showed up in my right leg, then my left. This is the 1st attack. I had 3 epidural Injections witch have helped greatly. I am an avid exerciser and I have been able to get back to kick boxing and Jazzercise now! I have also followed thru with PT too & do the stretches daily. Question is this- will the injections work for a while or will the pain/burning come back? I was told I should be able to get 6 to 8 weeks out of each injection? My doctor has said to get back to my normal routine- will I be able to continue this? I would guess my sciatica is on both sides. The only effect I feel right now is in my hips currently. Occasionally, down the sides of my legs with a twinge! Thank you! Monique A: Hi Monique, Epidural injections are known to last a shorter duration with every successive round, but not for every patient. Results are highly individualized. I also recommend getting back to a normal routine if possible, it is by far the best way to deal with chronic pain anywhere... Sincerely, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I have severe sciatica pain. I cannot even stand upright. I have been walking hunched over for over a month now. This condition is very distressing on my life and marriage. My doctor says its herniated discs in my lower back and my chiropractor says its from a failed arch in my foot. I am going out of my mind with this condition and am looking for any kind of help that I can find. Robert A: Hi Robert, As I stress throughout my site, the most crucial criteria is an accurate diagnosis. Did you have an MRI of the area? If so, can you send the report? I will be happy to advise you from there. I can almost guarantee it has nothing at all to do with your foot. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Hello my name is Joanna and I am a 30 yr old woman suffering from a ruptured disk on L5 S1. I have been with this pain from March 2007. I have had Physical Therapy, have been to the chiropractor, 2 epidural cortisone shots, acupuncture, and massage therapy. I have seen 4 doctors who have all told me that i need surgery to remove the ruptured area. This area is currently pressing on my sciatic nerve which is causing severe leg pain and pelvic pain. I am at my wits end. I have tried everything even ice and creams to help this pain. I am scared because I do not want this surgery but it seems to be looking like I don't have any other choice. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!!! I need help. Thank you for your time, Joanna A: Hi Joanna, It is impossible for any disc condition to compress your sciatic nerve directly, since that nerve does not even reach the spine. Your diagnosis must be that the disc is compressing one of the nerve roots which eventually ties into the sciatic lower in the body. Surgery should be avoided at all costs. I always recommend knowledge therapy as the best bet for most patients, but I realize some people do not think this is best for them. As an alternative, I recommend non-surgical spinal decompression as a safe choice. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Hi Sensei, I just wanted to tell you that I really liked your book. It was the best $10 I spent all year! I feel much better now! Thanks! Matty A: Hi Matty, Thank you for the nice email. I am happy that you are feeling better and wish you well in your future. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Hi I have been having what the dr calls sciatica pain in my right leg for about 6 weeks now. He has prescribed pain meds as well as naprxon and flexeril. This has not helped and the pain is worse then ever. I get no relief at all.Sleeping at nite is at best 2 hours then I wake up again and do it all over again.Short of giving it bed rest and physio I don't know what else to do. Pain medication gives me a little relief but with in 3 to 4 hours the pain is as bad as ever.I had an mri done which showed I have a bulging disk and I am now awaiting to see a specialist.What can I do to help me in the mean time so I can function somewhat normal? Carolyn A: Hi Carolyn, Without an accurate diagnosis, it is difficult to treat any back pain scenario. Obviously, pills will not make the pain go away, since they are merely symptomatic treatment and typically not very effective even at accomplishing that humble goal... I recommend pursuing finding the actual source of your pain, otherwise you are merely guessing. Just remember that many of these conditions are ischemic and not structurally induced at all. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Hi my name is Donna. I wrote to you a few weeks ago asking for your help on what to do about my sciatica. I am happy to say that i am currently pain free, all i had to do was use a moist heat heating pad and my pain was gone. I think it was being caused by my piriformis muscle. However my left leg is now numb and quite weak. I had an MRI done a couple of weeks ago and I'd like you to take a look at the results and let me know what you think. Thanx for your time!Donna Ok here are the findings of my MRI, maybe you can tell me a little more about what this means. . . LOL. I pretty much get the gist of it but I'd like to know what it all means to you. Thanx! Findings: Today's study demonstrates degenerative disc disease at L3-4, 4-5 and 5-1. At all three levels we see disc desiccation and mild narrowing which is most prominent at L5-S1. We see retropulsion of disc material at all three levels. This is most severe again at L5-S1. Above these levels, the spine is well maintained. The cord terminates at the lower endplate of T12 with normal thickness and signal. Soft tissues anterior and posterior to the spine are normal. Axial findings: L3-4: Mild broad based disc bulge with annular tear. No significant canal narrowing or neural foramina impingement. No nerve root impingement.L4-5: Posterior central disc herniation projecting into thecal sac approximately 5 to 7 mm. Both lateral neural recesses are narrowed with potential impingement of the transiting L5 nerve roots bilaterally. The exiting L4 nerve roots escape direct impingement.L5-S1: Large left posterior lateral disc herniation severely narrowing the left lateral neural foramen and lateral neural recess. Direct impingement of the transiting left S1 nerve root. The right neural foramen is widely patent. Impression: Multiple levels of discogenic disease with the most severe narrowing with a focal central disc at L4-5 and a left lateral disc at L5-S1. Direct impingement of both transiting L5 nerve roots at 4-5 and direct impingement of the left S1 nerve root transiting to the lateral neural foramen at L5-S1. A: Hi Donna, I am so happy to hear that your pain is better! Here is what your MRI says:You have normal DDD at 3 lumbar levels. This is nothing out of the ordinary...You also have several herniations of discs at those same levels. L3/L4 is bulging and also has a torn outer disc wall (annulus fibrosus). This disc seems to be causing no problems at all. L4/L5 herniation is rubbing on the sac which surrounds the spinal cord. There is some reduction in the space through which the nerve roots exit the spine (neuroforamen). There may or may not be neurological effects here. L5/S1 herniation is obviously infringing on the left nerve root as it leaves the spine. This may or may not create symptoms. All of these diagnoses can be found in people with and without back pain. Being that your symptoms feel better, I am relieved that this diagnosis did not do you more harm than good! I wish you well in the future and stay in touch to let me know how you are doing. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: HI-thanks for creating the site. I have been dealing with sciatica for about 6-8 weeks now, and am wondering if the issues i'm having is indeed sciatica. I have been dealing with some back pain,which protruded down my left leg. at first it was not that painful,and was able to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen and it helped.then the pain progressed over the next few weeks to where i wasn't able to sit down. i went to the doctors and he said it was sciatica which can take up to 6-8 weeks to go away. no treatment was done. 2 weeks later i go back because i cannot stand this time,and he prescribed naproxen and xrays. xrays came back ok, but now the pain is throbbing around my calf,shin and ankle, and also in my buttocks area,the muscles are so stiff that they almost feel like cramping up. I get about 3-4 hours of sleep AFTER i find a comfortable position,but when i get up in the morning, my leg hurts so bad that i want to cut it off. after about an hour of limping around,i'm able to get dressed,but cant put on socks/shoes..thank goodness for the wife. is there anything that i can do, or talk to my doctor about to help this along so i'm able to at least walk around somewhat or at least stop the throbbing around my lower leg?thanks, Bob A: Hi Bob, To me, this sounds like a classic case of ischemia, since the symptomology seems far too wide spread to come from any singular structural causation. I would advise you to consider this possibility strongly and pursue appropriate treatment as indicated. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I am 79 years old and until recent times never had backache. Recently I have had sciatica which has cleared up within a few weeks. This time it is 6 weeks and is worse if anything. The only trigger I can think is a long car journey when I felt a niggling pain in the left buttock. It has developed where it is with me every day as soon as I get out of bed and is only relieved by lying down or best of all going for a bike ride. Otherwise Standing or walking is very painful and after a few steps I need to sit down it is restricting my daily activities; I cannot do any form of work in the home or garden. The pain is typical sciatica my doc. referred me to a physio. who recommended exercises which I was already doing so hat was little help. I am puzzled why the pain only occurs when walking or standing but not when being more active when cycling - possibly because I'm in a sitting position. What do you think - any suggestions? John A: Hi John, Have you considered the possibility that your pain might be ischemic? If you do not have any structural reasons to explain the pain, this is the most logical explanation. Was the long car trip stressful or involving a stressful situation? This might have also contributed...Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: Hi I am experiencing bi-lateral sciatica.It all began with a strained hamstring...and then 2 strained hamstrings... (both sides)..Now 6 months later pretty severe sciatica on both sides.I've had an MRI...Everything is normal, no bulging discs.This is NO fun.I have been avoiding sitting for months..Suggestions are welcome.Linda A: Hi Linda, Have you considered the possibility that the pain is the result of ischemia? This would be my theory. I recommend knowledge therapy. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I am so glad I found a site that was base entirely on advice and not trying to sell me some useless product at a ridiculous price! Thank you for that. That being said I have a bunch of questions for you. I am a 24 year old stay at home mom, I have an 18-month-old daughter. I have been suffering from back pain since March of '08! It started out in the center of my lower back. My doctor sent me to PT and towards the end of PT the pain had disappeared from my back and progressed into my left leg. After PT the pain got worse, so my doctor sent me back for more PT. I got some relief but nothing substantial. After I was finished with the second round of PT I begged to be seen by a chiropractor, (my doc doesn't believe in them) I've been seeing the chiropractor for about 2 weeks now but the pain and symptoms have progressed even more! I have pain all the way down into my ankle, all the time, and the back of my thigh and whole left side and bottom of my left foot are numb. I'm at my wits end. I cannot sleep, I cry almost every night out of frustration and sleep withdrawal. I'm Toradol, Medrol and Soma, but they only offer minor relief and let me get 2-3 hours of sleep at a time. As soon as I lay down the pain is there and no matter what I do I can't get comfortable. It has just been recommended to me by my aunt and by my pharmacist to take a super B-complex, they both said it works great but I've been taking that for 2 days now and I don't notice a change. Now I said all of that to ask, what can I do? I'm supposed to be going in for an MRI sometime this week, and I have a couple of chiropractor appointments as well. The thought of open back surgery scares me to death b/c all I hear about it is that it doesn't really work. I've found a procedure called micro endoscopic disentomb (non-traumatic disc surgery), which is supposed to work better than open back surgery, do you know if this is effective? I would LOVE any advice I can get, for immediate and long-term results, right now I would kill to sleep thru the night.Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you, I hope you can help me. Donna A: Hi Donna, You are on the right track. I definitely recommend the MRI. Surgery should not even be a remote thought in your mind, so forget that! Typically, symptoms which worsen as the receive progressively more attention (treatment) are most often psychosomatic. This is a strong possibility for you as well. Get the MRI and send me the report when it is available. I will advise you further at that time. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: I am the victim of sciatica pain sufferer. Since 6 months this pain is bothering a lot then it changed to left lower back pain no more pain down to knees or heels. Pain is like electric shocks. If i bend down all the way something is adjusted at the lower back then I am fine but due to movement it bother again and stand still pain. since today lower back pain is changed in to sciatica pain again. I don't know whats going on? If anybody know about this, please help me and or prescribe treatment.best wishes for your healthy wealthy & wise. musleh A: Hi Musleh, Have you ever been to a doctor for diagnosis? If so, what was the verdict? Sensei Adam Rostocki Follow up: Peace & harmony be with you & yours. yes, I visited many times to my own family Dr and he adviced by "X rays" the on neck and lower back I have wear & tear (degeneration)disk or pinching nerve problems. and he prescribed to pain killers very strong but I am unable to consume those because of heavy dizziness and sleeping. so I dont take but only tylenol, and I get temporary relieve.I am requesting a unique prescription of either neuropathy or pinching nerve problem which will give me at least 50% relieve so that I can still survive. help me & God will help you, thanksmusleh Hi Musleh, Ok, degeneration in the neck and lower back is normal and expected and pinched nerves can only be seen on MRI, not x-rays. I suspect that since the doctors did not find anything serious and that your pain profile changes often, you might actually be suffering from ischemia, not degeneration. This is the most common form of chronic pain anywhere in the body. The best treatment is knowledge therapy, since this gets to the root cause of the concern and stops the process from occurring. This is my advice to you. Please stay in touch and let me know how you are doing. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki Q: i am suffering from back pain for last 4 months.i got a MRI done recently.The doctor says,the fluid in the last disc is completely gone.The disc above this is ruptured and the fluid is pressing the nerve.My age is 40 yrs.I have the pain one day in the right leg and the other day in the left leg from the buttocks.Now is this condition curable. please reply Vinod A: Hi Vinod, Complete degeneration of L5/S1 is normal and expected. A rupture at L4/L5 is common and is often diagnosed as causing nerve compression, although it rarely does. This is one of the most prevalent cases of misdiagnosed back pain in the industry. Being that your pain shifts constantly, the probability that it is coming from these discs is low, but still possible. I recommend you try knowledge therapy and barring success with that treatment, you might consider non-surgical spinal decompression. Best to you, Sensei Adam Rostocki Return to Sciatica Q&A Archive Section Sciatica Questions and Answers Archive to Sciatic Nerve Home
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